Crises multiply for Virgin Islands’ power authority

[richmke]

"The triple-C rated authority is petitioning to increase its rates as a supplier threatens to cut off fuel." - The Bond Buyer

 

Customer demand and revenue collections are well below pre-hurricane levels, per an August 2018 Moody's credit opinion. In addition, allegedly $2.3 million was stolen from the U.S. Virgin Island Water and Power Authority via "illegal wire transfers".

 

"Many critical vendors have indicated that they will no longer continue to provide their services to the authority if the amounts owed are not addressed" Executive Director Lawrence Kupfer told the Virgin Island Senate on Wednesday, June 5, 2019. "Should this occur, the authority will not be able to continue to provide necessary services." 

 

"provide their services" includes providing propane fuel to the Power Authority for its electrical power plants. "provide necessary services" means water and electricity.

 

 

 

[Ms411]

What does this have to do with cruising?

 

[richmke]

19 minutes ago, Ms411 said:

What does this have to do with cruising?

 

Similar to hurricane hitting a cruise port - it affects the port. If things don't improve, and a supplier cuts fuel deliveries to the electric authority, then there might be rolling blackouts. Living on the ship and hanging out at the beach won't be affected. However, if you do an excursion, a blackout could significantly affect the ability to travel on the island - traffic lights no longer work, and intersections become 4-way stops; destinations you visit won't have power; cruise tour providers may not have access to digital reservations; etc.

Edited June 12, 2019 by richmke

[Ms411]

Many businesses Caribbean wide now have generators, so you barely notice a power outage. Quite a few are off the grid.

 

The traffic cops direct traffic during peak hours if lights aren't working.

 

Power outage in some parts of Caribbean are dealt with on a regular basis.

 

[richmke]

Thanks Ms411. Then the remaining item is water (it is a water and power utility). Restaurants would be affected by the loss of municipal water (cleaning). Bathrooms could be an issue.